James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy not only about having the physical spaces but having modernisation through technology. That is crucial. We have seen what can be done during Covid in terms of the courts and advancing and speeding up the use of technology. We need to see more of that. The enabling of video technology in courtrooms is part of the courts modernisation programme, as well as the training piece. Courts can use the technology for expert witnesses as well perhaps to provide their evidence from a distance so that court cases are not adjourned because witnesses are unavailable.

Speaking from my own experience, I have seen the impact of court cases having to be adjourned because an important key witness was not available.

The management of court cases will always have to remain in the hands of the Judiciary. There may be times when it is simply necessary to have a witness in court on a particular day in order that he or she can be examined by the relevant parties. I agree with the Deputy that we need to get this technology rolled out quicker. That is definitely a priority for the Department.

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